Past Filmmakers

Amie Robinson
Canine

The Interview

1. How did you come up with the idea for the film?
Canine developed out of a series of reoccurring dreams and nightmares. Many of the images were so haunting that they began to enter the work while I was drawing. I also wanted to capture the structure of the dream, a sort of indirect narrative connecting images and events.

2. How long did the production process take?
It took approximately one hour to produce each second of unedited animation footage.

3. What challenges did you experience in the creation of the film?
I think one of the most challenging aspects in creating the animation was really investigating how objects move through space. Most of my previous work consisted of paintings and drawings - still images - and an entirely new thought process was necessary to think of these images in motion.

4. What is your favorite memory from creating the film?
Watching the first few seconds of video play back for the first time. I half expected it not to work, and it was really magical in some way.

5. When someone has finished watching the film, what do you hope they take away from the experience?
It is such a surreal piece, that I hope they take away their own story or feelings about the work.

6. What type of reaction has your film received from viewers?
Actually, several people have told me that after seeing the video they wanted to start making animations. Which of course I think is great!

7. What advice would you give to aspiring young filmmakers?
Simply to start filming. Digital video and computer editing makes filmmaking so affordable and available today.

8. Please tell us about the next film you plan to work on?
I am currently working on an animation dealing with (sub)urban growth and the destruction of natural land and forest area. In particular I am interested in this type of expansion's effect on our relationship with animals. I plan to integrate live action images with the animation sequences.

9. What are your thoughts on the film industry in NC?
Not being a native North Carolinian, I had no idea how strong the film industry was here. I was really excited to discover how many film festivals and events the state had to offer.